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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Dan Haren makes his first home start at Nationals Park tonight.
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Tonight, Haren gets a second chance to make a first impression, this time in his home debut (not to mention a much friendlier ballpark). Not that a start on April 10 is going to have much bearing on the future, but the last thing Haren wants right now is to raise even more questions about his status and whether the Nats made a mistake at all handing him $13 million over the winter.
The Nationals' lineup, which has been red-hot since returning home earlier this week, should provide some support for Haren. That group will go up against Dylan Axelrod, a 27-year-old right-hander making his 12th career start.
I'll have early-game updates here, but then I have to head to Bethesda for tonight's live episode of "The Baseball Show" at 11 p.m., so Chase Hughes will be taking over mid-game...
CHICAGO WHITE SOX at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), XM 183
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 75 degrees, Wind 14 mph RF to LF
NATIONALS (6-2)
CF Denard Span
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Wilson Ramos
RHP Dan Haren
WHITE SOX (4-4)
CF Alejandro De Aza
2B Jeff Keppinger
RF Alex Rios
LF Adam Dunn
1B Paul Konerko
SS Alexei Ramirez
3B Connor Gillaspie
C Tyler Flowers
RHP Dylan Axelrod
UMPIRES
HP Tom Hallion (cc)
1B Ron Kulpa
2B Phil Cuzzi
3B Chris Guccione
7:05 p.m. -- We are underway. Two bits of good news: 1) The umpires showed up on time tonight, and 2) John Wall threw a semi-respectable ceremonial first pitch, making amends for his fiasco from two years ago. Dan Haren's first actual pitch was much better, a 90 mph fastball for strike one to Alejandro De Aza. Meanwhile, the wind has really kicked up here. Doesn't look like the rain will hit until very late tonight, but you can definitely feel the system approaching.
7:13 p.m. -- A scoreless top of the first for Haren, though it did include Alex Rios' double off the left field wall, which might well have been a home run if not for the wind. Hey, it's still progress for Haren, so he'll gladly take it.
7:36 p.m. -- And the Nats jump on the board with an early run. Jayson Werth singled, stole second and took third on an error, then scored on Adam LaRoche's RBI single to left. The run, though, might have been less significant than the number of pitches the Nats made Dylan Axelrord throw: 40. That's 40 pitches to only six batters. Pretty remarkable plate discipline there for the Nats, who kept fouling off pitch after pitch after pitch. That'll pay dividends later in this game. 1-0 after one.
7:44 p.m. -- Haren's given up a couple of hard-hit balls already in this one, including Conor Gillaspie's double off the right-field wall in the top of the second. That probably would've been a homer if not for the wind tonight. So Haren did catch a break, though he wound up allowing one run to score on an RBI groundout. So it's 1-1 as we go to the bottom of the second.
7:51 p.m. -- Axelrod didn't have to work nearly as hard in the bottom of the second. He retired the side on 14 pitches. If you're wondering just how hard the wind is blowing tonight, just re-watch Wilson Ramos' flyout to center. Off the bat, it looked like the ball might carry to the warning track; De Aza started backtracking. Then he had to come racing back in once he realized the ball wouldn't even reach his original position. Crazy.
8:03 p.m. -- Haren is giving up hits tonight, but he's also striking out guys in bunches. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the third, getting Alexei Ramirez to whiff. Obviously, he's got good movement on his pitches. He just needs to avoid leaving anything over the plate, because when he does, it gets hammered. Still 1-1 in the middle of the third. And with that, I must bid adieu as I head up to Bethesda for tonight's live edition of "The Baseball Show." Chase Hughes will take over here and postgame. And be sure to tune into the show tonight at 11 p.m.
8:18 p.m. -- Chase here as Mark is off to do TV. The Nats took the lead off a Bryce Harper RBI single, scoring Denard Span who reached on a single and stole second. Span scored from third after being sent there on a Werth sac fly. They then added another run after Axelrod loaded the bases by walking Zimm and LaRoche. Desmond sent a long fly ball to right field to let Harper tag up and score. 3-1 Nats, Axelrod has thrown 74 pitches (44 strikes) through three.
8:36 p.m. -- We are now tied at 3-3 here at Nats Park after two RBI singles for the White Sox. Gillaspie started it off with a single into left field. He was joined on base by Axelrod who bunted a single past a diving LaRoche. De Aza singled home Gillaspie and Keppinger then hit home Axelrod. Looks like Zach Duke is getting warm with Haren at 84 pitches (54 strikes).
8:59 p.m. -- The Nats got back on top with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Haren got them started with a double to right-center and then scored on a wild pitch. Werth got on with a single and Harper with an intentional walk, and both were sent home on a RBI double by Zimmerman. Haren is back out to pitch the fifth.
9:07 p.m. -- Haren was kept in the game after the Nats gave him a nice cushion and he pitched a scoreless inning despite allowing a double to Ramirez. After the inning he sits at 101 pitches (65 strikes). Mattheus up in the bullpen.
9:12 p.m. -- Nothing out of the infield for the Nats in the bottom of the fifth off reliever Hector Santiago. Mattheus now in to pitch the sixth and Steve Lombardozzi in to play second. Still 6-3 Nats.
9:30 p.m. -- The White Sox cut into the deficit a little with an RBI double by Adam Dunn. Dunn scored De Aza who singled and then stole second. Dunn's hit was off the wall in left field and very close to being a home run. 6-4 Nats.
9:39 p.m. -- The Nats got two on in the sixth with Span and Harper drawing walks. Santiago got out of the inning on a groundout by Zimmerman. 6-4 Nats as we head to the seventh. Mattheus back out for another frame.
9:46 p.m. -- Mattheus gets through the top of the seventh with no one allowed on base. He got Ramirez to pop out and then struck out Gillaspie and Flowers. Finally a quick half-inning! Seriously, we are closing in on hour three of tonight's game and it's the bottom of the seventh.
9:51 p.m. -- The Nats got one on with an Ian Desmond single up the middle with one out. A pinch-hitting Chad Tracy then grounded into a double play. Tyler Clippard now in to pitch the eighth.
10:10 p.m. -- Rafael Soriano is now in to pitch for the save. The Nats got another run across on an RBI single by Harper that sent Span home for his second run scored today. 7-4 Nats with three outs to go.
10:23 p.m. -- Soriano gets his fifth save of the year and the Nats move to 7-2.
139 comments:
Go, NATS!! Go, umps (you should probably start now to be sure you're not late). :-)
Let's hope that the umps get to the game on time.
Apparently, it is a tradition for the umps to travel together in one car, sorta like a clown troup.
I wonder if it is a really small black car where they pile out with their suitcases, masks, chest gear, telescopes, measuring tapes, and brooms?
We need a good outing by Harren. I hope he doesn't make us start missing lannan and jackson
In a combined 66 plate appearances, our #2 and #3 hitters have drawn a combined 0 walks (this includes Jayson Werth who is notoriously selective). This is worth keeping an eye on.
Christopher,
If it was Desi or Espi I'd worrry. With Werth and Harper not so much. People will start pitching around Harper real soon which means Werth should start seeing some real good pitches to hit and Zim should have a bunch of men on regularly.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for Haren to have a stellar night.
GYFNG!
Ditto on Haren.
I think I'm going to wonder all year, if we would have just been better off keeping John Lannen as our fifth starter.
Okay, I'm leaving my school in South Riding NOW. Stopping off to feed the cat and put on a Nats jersey, then driving into DC.
At any rate, I'm sure I'll make it on time. Ump crew, not so certain.
Haren need to get his confidence level up. Being at home isn't going to help that any. Another bad start or two and we will be happy there is Young hanging around. IT is tough to get all five pitchers clicking together. But, we were not any better when we had Lannan. Haren will probably only mean a win or two one way or the other.
I am pulling for Haren. I think he will have a good game. What i am looking for as a fan and coach is his preparation coming into this game. I am wondering if this could be a question of Haren getting comfortable with Ramos and Suzuki? if so, then this will work its self out
We tend sometime to forget the impact a catcher has on a pitcher. Maybe this is why Davey is patient and confident about Haren
Tcostant said...
Ditto on Haren.
I think I'm going to wonder all year, if we would have just been better off keeping John Lannen as our fifth starter.
I am with you, I know there are some good arguments the other way, but in the end, I think Lannan should have been given the 5th spot
Mick,
Davie is patient and confident with Haren because of 2 reasons:
1) Rizzo signed him for $13 mil so he is in the rotation.
2) Haren has a body of work which suggests he is a very good pitcher and will yield good results when looked at in totality. Of course there is a small chance that he has suddenly reached his peak and has entered a steep decline but I for one don't buy it.
Cincinnati was a bad match up for Haren's 1st start. He does tend to give up his share of fly balls (even in his good years) and Cinci is the wrong team and the wrong park for such a pitcher. What makes Haren good is his K/BB ratio which means that he normally doesn't beat himself.
BTW I understand that Haren's velocity has been pretty good which contradicts the school of thought which suggests he is shot.
DC tends to be a little homer-friendly when it's hot and humid like this, though, so we'll see. I'm hoping for a solid outing.
Of course there is a small chance that he has suddenly reached his peak and has entered a steep decline but I for one don't buy it.
His velocity has consistently declined over the past 3-4 years which is why not as many teams were interested in him as in the past. The Nationals took a flyer because they really didn't need a #1/#2 (as they did with Jason Marquis) they really only need a #5 to act as an anchor at the end of the rotation as well as a veteran presence.
He's the Brad Lidge for starters.
The Nats do have decent replacements for Haren starting with Craig Stammen and Zach Duke and down into AAA. Of course Chris Young throws at 82 mph which is quite a bit slower than Haren so ...
BUT, the Nats really DO NOT have good replacements for the first four in the rotation. And that is the crux of why Rizzo was concerned about his starting depth.
As Mark noted in his instant analysis after the last Friday debacle, Haren hadn't pitched in 10 days before his start against the Reds. He's going on 5 days off this time, so -- with less of a bandbox than GABP -- here's hoping he returns to last season's late-season form.
EmDash -- barring a strong breeze, Nats Park doesn't tend to turn pop flies into homers, even in hot weather. Depends on the pitcher -- we had August heat last night and the hard-hitting Chisox came away with no dingers, because all three of our pitchers were dealing.
with less of a bandbox than GABP -- here's hoping he returns to last season's late-season form.
When you throw hanging cutters over the heart of the plate at just under or at 90 mph you are going to get hammered. And that's what he did.
Stammen's new cutter looked pretty good and perhaps that's why. It may be that Haren is acting as a pretty decent mentor for our still (for the most part) VERY YOUNG pitching staff.
There are multiple reasons why Haren is in the back of the rotation. But, he is susceptible to getting bombed. He's a control artist who rarely walks hitters. So, either he gets them to hit the ball where some was is or big innings occur.
I kind of love the fact that the first decent team the Braves will face is the defending NL East champion Washington Nationals. And they get Det, Stras, and Gio. How demoralizing it will be for them to come in here all full of themselves, fresh from an off day, and run into that buzzsaw of a rotation. They've faced Hamels and Lee so far, and that guy from the Cubs whose name no one can pronounce (Samardzija), but that's about it as far as high quality starters. (Yes, I know, Halladay. He's just not high quality anymore, unfortunately for the Phillies.) I'm expecting they will leave with their tails between their legs and wonder how the heck they are going to stay in first place once the difficulty of schedules evens out.
Interesting that the Sox are starting Dunn again in LF. He has historically not fared well against Haren in the past. He is 2 for 15, .133 BA, 1 HR, 2 RBI's, 7 K's.
Sam-ar-DEE-zhuh.
I'll take a Yeungling.
Joe, the Nats really need to exploit Dunn in LF. The triple came by a misplay in CF. Imagine that.
Question for everyone, if we get into a save situation again tonight, who will given the ball? I ask because Soriano has pitched two games in a row. I do not know Davey or baseball well enough to even guess what will happen if this situation occurs.
Great question Bob. My guess is that Davey will want Soriano rested for the Braves series, so someone else will close tonight. My money would be on Clippard who pitched Tuesday, and before that, on Saturday. Storen has also pitched two days in a row, so Davey would probably like to rest him too. Mattheus hasn't pitched since Sunday, so he could handle the 7th and/or the 8th. Stammen is also rested (having pitched Saturday and Tuesday), as is H-Rod...
That's not to say that a reliever will never pitch three days in a row. So maybe Davey goes with Storen or Soriano, and rests the other for possible use tomorrow night against the Braves.
Ok everyone, feel free to take potshots at this analysis.
Actually, I think you did good, 222, though much depends on how deep Dan Haren goes.I hope he gets through 7, and gets us to Matheus, then Clippard. If he can only get through 6 innings, I would think Stammen, Matheus, Clip. Less then 6? Duke, or H-Rod. I think Duke is quite possibly our weakest link, only lefty in the pen, or not. He doesn't impress me as being a pitcher that can go through an upper tier MLB lineup, but I sure hope I'm wrong.
Well, one guess is that Davey hopes that Haren pitches deep into the game plus the team scores more runs needed for a save.
Ump squeezing Haren BIG TIME. He was nailing the strike zone...that double shouldn't have been
Hallion needs to check his glasses. This inning should've been over.
Cuzzi cost Gio on missing several strikes. Hallion missing 2 strikes in the 1st inning on Haren. Good news is Dunn won't lead off the 2nd.
In other news, the umps can't see squat but they did stay at a Holiday Inn last night to arrive early. Seriously though, the umps supposedly arrived at the ballpark before 6PM.
10 pitch AB for Werth!
I really like Span and Werth at the top of the lineup.
Span especially since I really didn't know what to expect from him.
Even if he makes an out, he seems to force the pitcher to throw his entire arsenal, and then some, during his first at bat of the game.
This guy is not a good pitcher. If Haren can just keep it together we got this.
yes sir ALR!
40 pitches for this dude in 1st
Almost 40 pitches as Axelrod's 4-seamer dropped to 88mph.
That was as discussed earlier the art of getting quickly into their bullpen!
Good point NJ. They averaged just under 7 pitches per AB.
Have to love NL baseball. Haren gets out of the mini jam with only 1 run.
I think the disadvantage with the Nats on Gillaspie is that they have limited scouting reports on him.
Talking about scouting reports, they had Espi's kryptonite. Get him in a 2 strike count and throw him the fastball at his eyes and watch him swing out of his cleats. Yuck.
Werth with a SB and Nationals finally have one in that column. maybe he read it here first and took it upon himself to get that first SB. :P
Wow, wind just cost Ramos a HR or double off of the wall. Instead a circuitous F8.
Strike out Dunn, intentionally walk Konerko and try your luck with Ramirez.
Way to go Rendon!
Gonat said...
Strike out Dunn, intentionally walk Konerko and try your luck with Ramirez.
April 11, 2013 8:00 PM
_______________________________
Ok, strike out Dunn, HBP Konerko and strikeout Ramirez.
Haren -- pure pus thrower.
Way to go Werth. Even if Davey refuses to steal bases, you do. good job
at least he is getting out of trouble.
Harp should have Their pus thrower measured ...
Yep Harpers 14 rbi Go Nats
Man o man if Span could only steal 30+ bases, we just may not miss Morse -- too much, that is
I don't need forty games to see if this was the right move regarding Span.Look with an open mind and how can you doubt it?
Haha whats with the nun, NatsJack?? hahaha see ya
If Zim moves any further to his left in the batter's box he will be in the White Sox on-deck circle.
Oh, Im gonna need a better sample then this on Span -- how can you NOT be cautious with an open mind???
Can Axelrod be cooked already?
Nats Fan Since Start, what position did you tell me your son played on the Patriots?
Desi gonna put a hurtin on this go around
those looked like strikes to me just now. I think Axel is getting squeezed.
I never did tell you. Forget it
Sweet inning
You take the 2 runs but that inning had "big inning" written all over it with bases loaded and 1 out.
Faraz Shaikh said...
those looked like strikes to me just now. I think Axel is getting squeezed.
April 11, 2013 8:16 PM
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In fairness he was, but they were in 3-0 counts.
I think I just saw MicheleS in a sweater vest with the people with FP signs.
Looks like FP's got a fan club!!
Doubleplay time!
How much are they paying Haren?
Oh, that was Michelle? I didn't expect that
Ohh Haren is simply Awful
That really stinks. Pitcher puts down a horrible sacrifice and now the White Sox have something going with only 1 out.
It would appear that no lead is safe with this pretender on the mound
13 million for this has been? Rizzo, you done been had, Bro
The day will come -- maybe next offseason -- when Rizzo says: "I've got five great prospects in the cupboard. Let's go get David Price."
Anyone miss John Lannan or Edwin Jackson yet??
Come on Steve J, if LaRoche makes that play on the bunt the inning is over. Keppinger's bloop hit also was nothing special. He's not pitching great but he's not pitching awful.
The nats bats giveth and Haren taketh away. What a mess this guy is. Guy turns around and gives away the lead and momentum. Oh mr Lannen we miss you
phil dunton said...
Anyone miss John Lannan or Edwin Jackson yet??
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I don't miss EJax at all, too inconsistent and he was a dud in the playoffs.
Lannan on the other hand really was clutch but Rizzo really never seemed to like him.
Haren seems to have his wriggle on tonight. Bad luck on a lot of things but still tied.
Gonat, hold down the fort. It's all yours.
Agree on Edwin. He was bad. Lannen however was a gamer.
I decided I will mark down a loss every 5 games and hope we get lucky.
Nothing in spring training or the first 2 games have showed me I should believe otherwise
phil, I miss Lannan. I am not impressed with Haren at all, although I like his double
BTW Haren hits better than he pitches.
When Peric was trashing Lannan, where were all you Lannan lovers hiding?
Axlerd at 90 pitches. Gonat, after watching Haren its easy to miss Lannan
Ok i won't wish for Lannan over Haren. But could I at least get Livan?
thank you mr axelerod
I, for one, enjoy people with some grit. A guy that doubles to take the lead back is OK in my book. So is a guy that doesn't walk people. I'll take hits over walks any time, especially if some of them are the bloops that have happened today. Those even out, as do umpires that actually call strikes strikes. Once the NL umps see the pinpoint control I imagine Haren's outcomes will improve.
Nice job Zimm. Haren can't give the lead back up in the next inning. Must keep the momentum. Anybody at the game? If anyone took metro how was it with the Caps playing also?
Very good post, Depot Master. Hold up, Scotty, don't beam me back up yet.
I thought it was very questionable strategy to intentionally walk Harper to get to Zimmerman.
Axelrod missed his spot and Zim ripped it. If you were listening to FP, the book on Zim is to paint the outside corner. Sure, he can't reach it as he stands so far to the outside of the batter's box.
Where were all the Lannan lover's then? Only shows how bad Haren is -- Lannan is an ace in comparison. He'll be gone before long and the Nats will have wasted almost twice they paid Jackson -- an innings eater they ran outta town
Anybody on earth believe a 3 run lead is safe with Haren?
What? Jackson got 11 mil. Haren is getting 13.
haha if the wind was blowing out, the Sox would have 10 runs by now
Cunegonde and I are back home. Both wearing shorts and short sleeve jerseys up in section 314. Windy and COLD. We took off after the top of the 4th.
Haren would have given up at least two HRs if the wind hadn't been helping him big time.
Oh, I was thinking Jax got 7 mil.
time to retire Carp's "Serious jammage" please?
I didn't think Haren was awful tonight. The zone was being squeezed again. It wasn't a great outing by any means, but I thought he showed much better command this time around. I think the difference between he and EJax/Lannan will end up being negligible.
Now you all can lay off Haren. smh
And does anyone believe a 3 run lead is safe with Zach Duke? Would we rather Gorzelanny or duke?
Haren was fortunate to have a favorable wind. His splitter was decent, but his fastball is weak, very weak. How many hits? 10? yeah, he's really better than Det. Yep
So, in spite of the peanut gallery, I think it was an OK night for Haren. So, will it be Duke in the sixth? Or Matheus?
Who ever said Haren was better than Det? What order you are in the rotation is absolutely meaningless except maybe #1. Davey probably wanted Det and Stras back to back and/or wanted Det/Stras/Gio in the early season matchup against the Braves.
Espi's last at bat was scary -- his lefty swing showed the hole in his swing that he had last year/ Not good
I know you guys will think I'm nuts, but if I were the manager and there is a 1-2-3 inning, I'd run him out there one more time. He's a vet and can go past 100 pitches, and it'll help equalize the bullpen - of course if the at-bats get to his spot, you pinch hit...
Go deep Ramos you're the new Beast
Counting Haren's rally starting double, yeah I think it was a good night for him :-)
Robin Ventura has managed horribly the whole series.
Rethinking whether traffic should have stopped the umps before the game again today.
Davey, should have left Haren in! At least he was getting some K's!
What a call for the slider to K out Konerko!
Rendon 2-3 with a dinger,and a BB, raises his BA up to .241
Rendon!
We were fortunate that we didn't have to face Chris Sale this series. That kid is one fine young pitcher.
Interesting. In his stance it looked like Bryce was biting his right sleeve. I wonder whether that's a reminder to stay closed against a tough lefty.
This bullpen can just NOT make it easy. I am concerned. The 123 innings are few and far between. Not the nats pitching I'm used to
Now that's real nice. Good job Math.
Drew, Bryce says he bites his jersey when he needs to remind himself to keep his head in.
Drew, sometimes when a player started to throw his head out at the plate we would get them to bite their sleeve. I didn't see Bryce doing it, but your comment brought back some memories for me.
Way to go Ryan M! Who's going to pitch the 8th and 9th?
Owe you one, Gonat!
Chad Matt Stairs Tracy. Ughhhhhh
Joe, I use that trick with kid's who lift their heads of the ball. I learned it last year from Bryce and it works.
Is the Shark in tge dog house. With a man on first who is a doubke play tgreat it seems The Shark has pissed someone off to get no at bats.
Soriano coming in for the 9th. I'm a little surprise as it will make it three days in a row, with the Braves coming in.
This goes back to the Nats having 3 proven closers. Use Soriano now, it doesn't really matter. Drew had the day off...he can close tomorrow if need be.
Tuck in that shirt and get ready!!!
why stadium so empty?
Faraz, it's FREEZING. People left early by the 1,000's
insane at bat
great outcome.
There you go! A really inspired win! UN-TUCK!!!
Just want to remind the Haren Haters, Dan got the well deserved win. WooooooooHooooooooo! (compliments MicheleS!)
Untuck that thing. [Yessir]
I'm not in love with Haren but he did ok tonight, we should be nicer to him. I missed Michelle in the sweater vest!
Haren. W. No BBs. 2B. OK?
Best job in the world? 4th to 5th starter. 11-13 mil a year for mediocrity.
Bill Veeck thought so.
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